Strap yourself in, as I take you for a spin with the new RadioMaster GX10! This long awaited radio has several enhancements over the popular Zorro, so I was keen to see how it performs.
Should you buy one? Should you upgrade from your Zorro? Or should you just stick with what you’ve got? Hopefully you'll know by the end of the review. Oh, and we'll go for a flight test with an F5J setup!
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| RadioMaster's new baby, the GX10 |
As usual, I'll focus on gliders and electric applications. If you're a drone pilot, just bear in mind that I may not address some of the features which would be of interest to you.
Finally, there are no affiliate links in this review.
One transmitter, two versions
The GX10 is available in two versions
- Standard, with regular gimbals. Grey or Transparent Charcoal finish
-
MAX, with anodised AG01 Nano CNC gimbals. Transparent Charcoal or
Carbon finish.
This review is for the MAX version, with Transparent Charcoal and black gimbals.
Compared with the Zorro
Looking at the GX10 and Zorro side by side, one can't help but see the family resemblance.
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| Zorro (left) and GX10 |
However, the GX10 sports several new features including:
- Dual-band ELRS RF module with 1 W maximum output.
- Touch sensitive colour panel.
- 18650 batteries (something Zorro users have been clamouring for)
- 6 programmable switches
- 3-position switches all round
Remarkably given the higher spec, the GX10 is only around 5 mm wider and 10 mm taller than the Zorro.
In terms of weight, the GX10 is somewhat heaver, at 580 g (including batteries) compared with 400 g for the Zorro
Unboxing the GX10
The GX10 comes packed in RadioMaster’s signature padded carry case. An
internal pocket is provided for accessories.
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| Signature case. Note zipper pocket |
Also included are a gimbal protector, alternative antenna for Sub-900 MHz use, and blanking plugs for switches and sliders.
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| Accessories |
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| Quick Start guide and stickers |
RF module and antenna
The GX10 is equipped with an RF module based on the Semtech LR1121 transceiver. Maximum RF power is 1 W and the module is equipped with a fan.
The default fan threshold is 250 mW. Given that the output with UK/EU firmware is capped at 100 mW, I doubt it will see much use here!
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| RF board with heatsink and fan |
The module can operate on either 2.4 GHz or Sub-900 band, depending on the ELRS configuration. In 2.4 GHz mode, it's compatible with popular receivers like the RadioMaster ER6/8 series. Note that Gemini and Xrossband are not supported.
The antenna assembly is rather clever – when parked, it sits perfectly flush with the shell. Slide it upwards and you can then rotate it about both the horizontal and vertical axis.
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| Antenna in extended position |
If using Sub-900 MHz mode for any of your models, then the supplied alternative antenna assembly should be used. It's a little bit longer than the regular antenna, and can operate on either band, though is better optimised for Sub-900.
The GX10 has an external module for Nano style modules. The module bay cover has a bolt to prevent it sliding off.
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| Nano-style bay |
Build and finish
The GX10 looks and feels a quality piece of kit. The switches and sliders
are smooth acting, and fit and finish are beyond reproach on my unit.
The transparent charcoal version has an attractive matt finish which is slightly textured. It feels very nice to the touch.
Access to the internals is excellent. Undo 8 screws, slide off the back, and you're in.
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| Rear shell removed |
The rear section can be removed without fiddling with ribbon cables, thanks to the use of auto-mating blade connectors - the first time I've seen this on a transmitter.
The battery for the real time clock is rechargeable and soldered to the motherboard.
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| Rear shell with blade connectors |
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| Female blade connectors on PCB. |
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| RTC battery soldered to the board |
Ergonomics
While the GX10 is only slightly larger than the Zorro, it feels remarkably like a grown-up unit. This is largely due to the generous 110 mm stick spacing, the same as the TX16S in fact, and a full 20 mm more than the Zorro.
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| Generous stick spacing |
In terms of the grip, the GX10 is very comfortable to hold. However, for DLG where security of grip is critical, the Zorro still gets my vote thanks to its lighter weight and rounder arms.
The GX10 has 4 x switches, 2 x sliders, 2 x momentaries on top, and 2 x momentaries at the back. Unlike the Zorro, all switches on the GX10 are 3-position types (the Zorro has two 2-position switches).
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| GX10 Switch layout |
Compared with the Zorro, the momentary switches (SA, SD) have been moved closer to the edge, and the sliders (S1, S2) have moved further in, towards the centre.
As a 'thumber' with medium size hands, I don't find this arrangement particularly comfortable (the Zorro is pretty well perfect in this regard). For DLG launching, I would probably use the momentary in the rear moulding (just visible in the image above).
The sliders (really rollers) have a smooth action and a centre detent. They are more highly damped than the ones on the Zorro, and while they're fine for non critical functions like speaker volume, they're less amenable for applications which require rapid movements, like motor control.
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| Switch layouts compared: Zorro (left) and GX10. |
Gimbals
The gimbals on the GX10 are tiny CNC units - even smaller even than those on
the Zorro. They feel silky smooth and centre consistently.
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| AG01 Nano Mk2 CNC gimbal |
The end stops for the vertical axis can be adjusted from the front of the unit.
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| Adjuster screws for vertical end stops. |
All other adjustments (spring tension, mode 1/2 swap etc.) require the
side cheeks to be removed. In practice, I found it better to remove the rear
shell entirely, in order to get a better view.
The stick tops are a bit skinny, and most pilots will probably want to replace these. I have already 3D printed some alternative tops.
Overall, the gimbals are sweet little units, and more than adequate for
fixed wing flying.
LCD rings
Okay, I know... so the LCD rings are just bling, right? ... but actually, they do have their uses. I’m using them to indicate when my models are in Calibration mode. Seeing the tx light up like a Christmas tree is rather fun. The LCD rings are controlled via special functions.
Customisable switches
The GX10 sports six customisable RGB switches.
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| Customisable switches SW1 - SW6 |
These switches are highly configurable:
- A switch be configured as a momentary switch, or a 2-position (push-on/push-off) switch.
- A switch may be independent or part of a group.
- The colours for the on/off states are configurable
- The state at startup can be configured as on, off, or last state
Suitable applications include selecting rates, activating logs, motor arming etc.
Screen and programming
The GX10 sports a 2.8-inch colour touch screen. Resolution is just about adequate at 320 x 240 px. The panel is bright and easily legible outdoors.
The display is just large enough that simple models can be programmed directly on the transmitter. For more complex models most pilots will want to use the EdgeTX Companion software.
Software and programming
My GX10 came with EdgeTX 2.12.2 and ELRS 3.6 installed. The first thing I did was flash ELRS 4.1, as this avoids having to reserve channel 5 as an arming flag.
The GX10 comes with 512 MB of on board flash memory. There's also an SD card slot, however using a card will disable the internal memory,
In terms of EdgeTX, the GX10 and Zorro are equally capable with a couple of notable exceptions. First, the GX10 provides 15 global variables, up from 9 on the Zorro. This is a most welcome bonus, shared by other radios with H7 processor.
Secondly, the latest EdgeTX builds have better support for the internal accelerometer. In addition to tilt angle, it can report acceleration. This allows shake gestures to be detected using a logical switch.
Batteries and charging
The GX10 comes with a battery tray for two 18650 batteries (not
supplied).
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| The GX10 takes 18650 batteries |
Charging is via the USB-C port at the top of the unit.
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| Trainer socket (left) and USB port for charge and data |
Flight testing
Due to recent poor weather, I’ve only had one flying session at the time of writing. The test model was a Multiplex Heron equipped with a RadioMaster ER8G receiver.
I used my
E-Soar Plus v4
template, plus
ShowItAll and
Adaptive trim
scripts.
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| At the flying field |
The logs showed occasional spikes in transmit power up to the maximum 100 mW, however link quality remained solid throughout the session. It should be noted that the flying field is near an HS2 construction site and railway line, and is known to be a challenging RF environment.
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| Screen capture of flight log |
Conclusions
The GX10 is rather impressive. It looks elegant, is full of clever design touches, and has several enhancements over the Zorro. Yet it's only slightly larger.
While the dual band/1 W RF module is overkill for most line-of-sight applications, it doesn't come at the expense of usability.
On the downside, the placement of the top momentary switch and sliders is, for me, a step back from the Zorro. For DLG work, the Zorro remains the gold standard for ergonomics and is considerably lighter.
Pros
- Design and build quality
- Comfortable to hold
- Nice CNC gimbals
- Progammable function switches extend functionality
- 18650 batteries (compared with Zorro's 18350 cells)
- Easy access to internals
Cons
- Awkward positioning of sliders and top momentary buttons.
- Heavier than Zorro (a consideration for DLG)
- Shallower grip compared with Zorro (a consideration for DLG)
Who is the GX10 for?
The GX10 will be a good choice for sport slope soarers, given it's relatively light weight and decent set of features.
If you're into DLG and already have a Zorro, then it's not certain that you'll prefer the new ergos. Be prepared at least for a period of adjustment due to the switch layout and greater weight. The main positive will be the larger 18650
batteries.
If you’re an F5J or sport/electric flyer looking for a small unit, and are happy to control the motor with a switch (rather than a slider), then the GX10 should go on to your shortlist.
As for me... while the GX10 is not going to replace my Zorro for DLG or my GX15 for F3F, it's so darned cute that I intend to have lots more flying fun with it. Expect an update in due course!
Links
- RadioMaster GX10
- RadioMaster GX10 Max
- RC-Soar.com - author's page
- EdgeTX Clinic - tutorials, tips and templates
GX10 MAX Specifications
- Color: Gold / Red / Transparent Charcoal
- Dimensions: 180 × 165 × 83 mm
- Weight: 485 g (excluding batteries)
- Frequency Range: 2.4GHz ISM or Sub-G 900MHz (depending on configuration)
- Internal RF: ELRS 2.4GHz / Sub-G 900MHz
- Supported Protocols: ExpressLRS
- Firmware: EdgeTX (requires 2.12.0 or later)
- Internal RF Firmware: ExpressLRS 3.6.3
- Cooling Fan: Yes
- Transmitter Module: Built-in ELRS
- Built-in Flash: 512MB
- MicroSD card (Not included): 32GB/FAT32 (Inserting a MicroSD card will disable the onboard flash)
- Channels: Up to 16 channels (receiver dependent)
- Display: 2.8-inch IPS Touchscreen 320 × 240 Resolution
- Built-in Microphone: Yes
- Built-in Motion Sensor: Yes (SC7U22)
- Antenna Gain: 2dB
- Maximum Current: 850mA@8.4V at maximum output power
- Operating Voltage: 6.6 – 8.4V DC
- Battery Support: 2 × 18650 Li-ion batteries (batteries not included)
- Connectivity: USB-C
- Gimbal: AG01 mini V2 CNC Hall Sensor Gimbals
- Stick End Thread: M3
- Module Bay: Nano module bay
- Upgrade Method: USB-C (UF2)
Accessories
- Package Includes
- 1 * GX10 Carry Case
- 1 * Gimbal Protector
- 1 * Dual-Band Antenna
- 1 * MMCX Removal Tool
- 1 * USB-C Cable
- 1 * Screen Protector
- 1 * 1.5mm Hex Wrench
- 2 * Slider Blanking Grommets
- 7 * Switch Blanking Grommets
- 1 * Sticker Set
- 1 * GX10 Manual
- 1 * Inventory Card
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